The FtsJ/RrmJ heat shock protein of Escherichia coli is a 23 S ribosomal RNA methyltransferase

Ribosomal RNAs undergo several nucleotide modifications including methylation. We identify FtsJ, the first encoded protein of the ftsJ-hflB heat shock operon, as an Escherichia coli methyltransferase of the 23 S rRNA. The methylation reaction requires S-adenosylmethionine as donor of methyl groups, purified FtsJ or a S(150) supernatant from an FtsJ-producing strain, and ribosomes from an FtsJ-deficient strain. In vitro, FtsJ does not efficiently methylate ribosomes purified from a strain producing FtsJ, suggesting that these ribosomes are already methylated in vivo by FtsJ. FtsJ is active on ribosomes and on the 50 S ribosomal subunit, but is inactive on free rRNA, suggesting that its natural substrate is ribosomes or a pre-ribosomal ribonucleoprotein particle. We identified the methylated nucleotide as 2'-O-methyluridine 2552, by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography analysis, boronate affinity chromatography, and hybridization-protection experiments. In view of its newly established function, FtsJ is renamed RrmJ and its encoding gene, rrmJ.     

Substrate binding analysis of the 23S rRNA methyltransferase RrmJ

The 23S rRNA methyltransferase RrmJ (FtsJ) is responsible for the 2'-O methylation of the universally conserved U2552 in the A loop of 23S rRNA. This 23S rRNA modification appears to be critical for ribosome stability, because the absence of functional RrmJ causes the cellular accumulation of the individual ribosomal subunits at the expense of the functional 70S ribosomes. To gain insight into the mechanism of substrate recognition for RrmJ, we performed extensive site-directed mutagenesis of the residues conserved in RrmJ and characterized the mutant proteins both in vivo and in vitro. We identified a positively charged, highly conserved ridge in RrmJ that appears to play a significant role in 23S rRNA binding and methylation. We provide a structural model of how the A loop of the 23S rRNA binds to RrmJ. Based on these modeling studies and the structure of the 50S ribosome, we propose a two-step model where the A loop undocks from the tightly packed 50S ribosomal subunit, allowing RrmJ to gain access to the substrate nucleotide U2552, and where U2552 undergoes base flipping, allowing the enzyme to methylate the 2'-O position of the ribose.     

Active site mapping and substrate channeling in the sterol methyltransferase pathway

Sterol methyltransferase (SMT) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was purified from Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and labeled with the mechanism-based irreversible inhibitor [3-3H]26,27-dehydrozymosterol (26,27-DHZ). A 5-kDa tryptic digest peptide fragment containing six acidic residues at positions Glu-64, Asp-65, Glu-68, Asp-79, Glu-82, and Glu-98 was determined to contain the substrate analog covalently attached to Glu-68 by Edman sequencing and radioanalysis using C18 reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Site-directed mutagenesis of the six acidic residues to leucine followed by activity assay of the purified mutants confirmed Glu-68 as the only residue to participate in affinity labeling. Equilibration studies indicated that zymosterol and 26,27-DHZ were bound to native and the E68L mutant with similar affinity, whereas S-adenosylmethionine was bound only to the native SMT, K(d) of about 2 microm. Analysis of the incubation products of the wild-type and six leucine mutants by GC-MS demonstrated that zymosterol was converted to fecosterol, 26,27-DHZ was converted to 26-homo-cholesta-8(9),23(24)E,26(26')-trienol as well as 26-homocholesta-8(9),26(26')-3beta,24beta-dienol, and in the case of D79L and E82L mutants, zymosterol was also converted to a new product, 24-methylzymosta-8,25(27)-dienol. The structures of the methylenecyclopropane ring-opened olefins were determined unambiguously by a combination of (1)H and (13)C NMR techniques. A K(m) of 15 microm, K(cat) of 8 x 10(-4) s(-1), and partition ratio of 0.03 was established for 26,27-DHZ, suggesting that the methylenecyclopropane can serve as a lead structure for a new class of antifungal agents. Taken together, partitioning that leads to loss of enzyme function is the result of 26,27-DHZ catalysis forming a highly reactive cationic intermediate that interacts with the enzyme in a region normally not occupied by the zymosterol high energy intermediate as a consequence of less than perfect control. Alternatively, the gain in enzyme function resulting from the production of a delta(25(27))-olefin originates with the leucine substitution directing substrate channeling along different reaction channels in a similar region at the active site.     

Active site amino acid sequence of the bovine O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase.

An O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase has been partially purified from calf thymus by conventional biochemical techniques. The enzyme was specifically radioactively labelled at the cysteine residue of the active site and further purified by attachment to a solid support. Following digestion with trypsin, a radioactive peptide containing the active site region of the protein was purified by size fractionation, ion exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. The technique yielded an essentially homogeneous oligopeptide which was subjected to amino acid sequencing. The sequence adjacent to the acceptor cysteine residue of the bovine protein exhibits striking homology to the C-terminal methyl acceptor site of the E. coli Ada protein and the proposed acceptor sites of the E. coli Ogt and the B. subtilis Dat1 proteins.     

Oxalomalate, a competitive inhibitor of NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, regulates heat shock-induced apoptosis

Heat shock may increase oxidative stress due to increased production of reactive oxygen species and/or the promotion of cellular oxidation events. Recently, we demonstrated that the control of cytosolic and mitochondrial redox balance and the cellular defense against oxidative damage is one of the primary functions of NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) by supplying NADPH for antioxidant systems. The protective role of ICDH against heat shock-induced apoptosis in U937 cells was investigated in the control and the cells pre-treated with oxalomalate, a competitive inhibitor of ICDH. Upon exposure to heat shock, there was a distinct difference between the control cells and the cells pre-treated with 3mM oxalomalate for 3h in regard to apoptotic parameters, cellular redox status, and mitochondrial function. The oxalomalate pre-treated cells showed significant enhancement of apoptotic features such as activation of caspase-3, up-regulation of Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 compared to the control cells upon exposure to heat shock. This study indicates that ICDH may play an important role in regulating the apoptosis induced by heat shock presumably through maintaining the cellular redox status.     

N-t-Butyl hydroxylamine regulates heat shock-induced apoptosis in U937 cells

Heat shock may increase oxidative stress due to increased production of reactive oxygen species and/or the promotion of cellular oxidation events. Therefore, compounds that scavenge reactive oxygen species may regulate heat shock-induced cell death. Recently, it has been shown that the decomposition product of the spin-trapping agent alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone, N-t-butyl hydroxylamine (NtBHA), mimics alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone and is much more potent in delaying reactive oxygen species-associated senescence. We investigated the protective role of NtBHA against heat shock-induced apoptosis in U937 cells. Upon exposure to heat shock, there was a distinct difference between the untreated cells and the cells pre-treated with 0.1 mM NtBHA for 2 h in regard to apoptotic parameters, cellular redox status, and mitochondrial function. Upon exposure to heat shock, NtBHA pre-treated cells showed significant inhibition of apoptotic features such as activation of caspase-3, up-regulation of Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 compared to untreated cells. This study indicates that NtBHA may play an important role in regulating the apoptosis induced by heat shock, presumably through scavenging of reactive oxygen species.     

Hikeshi, a nuclear import carrier for Hsp70s, protects cells from heat shock-induced nuclear damage

During heat shock stress, importin β family-mediated nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is downregulated, whereas nuclear import of the molecular chaperone Hsp70s is upregulated. Here, we identify a nuclear import pathway that operates during heat shock stress and is mediated by an evolutionarily conserved protein named "Hikeshi," which does not belong to the importin β family. Hikeshi binds to FG-Nups and translocates through nuclear pores on its own, showing characteristic features of nuclear transport carriers. In reconstituted transport, Hikeshi supports the nuclear import of the ATP form of Hsp70s, but not the ADP form, indicating the importance of the Hsp70 ATPase cycle in the import cycle. In living cells, depletion of Hikeshi inhibits heat shock-induced nuclear import of Hsp70s, reduces cell viability after heat shock stress, and significantly delays the attenuation and reversion of multiple heat shock-induced nuclear phenotypes. Nuclear Hsp70s rescue the effect of Hikeshi depletion at least in part. Thus, Hsp70s counteract heat shock-induced damage by acting inside of the nucleus.     

Quercetin suppresses heat shock-induced nuclear translocation of Hsp72

The effect of quercetin and heat shock on the Hsp72 level and distribution in HeLa cells was studied by Western blotting, indirect immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy. In control cells and after quercetin treatment, Hsp72 was located both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus in comparable amounts. After hyperthermia, the level of nuclear Hsp72 raised dramatically. Expression of Hsp72 in cytoplasm was also higher but not to such extent as that observed in the nucleus. Preincubation of heated cells with quercetin inhibited strong Hsp72 expression observed after hyperthermia and changed the intracellular Hsp72 distribution. The cytoplasmic level of protein exceeded the nuclear one, especially around the nucleus, where the coat of Hsp72 was noticed. Observations indicating that quercetin was present around and in the nuclear envelope suggested an involvement of this drug in the inhibition of nuclear translocation. Our results indicate that pro-apoptotic activity of quercetin may be correlated not only with the inhibition of Hsp72 expression but also with suppression of its migration to the nucleus.     

Tubulin synthesis and heat shock-induced cell synchrony in Tetrahymena

This paper offers the suggestion that heat shock inhibition of tubulin synthesis accounts for the molecular mechanism by which periodic heat shocks induce cell synchrony in Tetrahymena. Each heat shock (34 °C) represses tubulin synthesis and blocks the division cycle at the point when the oral structure, rich in microtubules, would normally begin to assemble. Recovery (at 28 °C) from each heat shock is characterized by parallel derepression of tubulin synthesis and of oral development. Changes in protein synthesis patterns are complex when the temperature is shifted up and down between 28 and 34 °C and further experimental support is required in support of the hypothesis here forwarded.     

Active site localization in a viral mRNA capping enzyme

Capping of reovirus mRNAs is catalyzed by a guanylyltransferase that corresponds to virion structural polypeptide lambda 2. It forms a phosphoamide linked enzyme-pG covalent complex as an intermediate in the capping reaction. The nucleotide attachment site on lambda 2 was localized to a region between amino acids 213 and 269 by incubating virus particles with [alpha-32P]GTP followed by proteolytic cleavage and analysis of the resulting fragments using sequence-directed antibodies as probes. The 213-269 region contains as potential GMP acceptors a single lysine, 1 arginine, and 4 histidine residues, as deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the L2 gene encoding lambda 2. Digestion of 32P-labeled capping intermediate with alkali after oxidation and beta-elimination yielded phospholysine as the only phosphoamino acid, localizing the active site to a region in lambda 2 that includes the lysine at position 226.     

Dephosphorylation of cofilin accompanies heat shock-induced nuclear accumulation of cofilin

Cofilin is a widely distributed 21-kDa actin-modulating protein that forms intranuclear actin/cofilin rods in cultured fibroblastic cells exposed to heat shock or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide. In this study, cofilin was shown to be phosphorylated on a serine residue in cultured rat fibroblastic 3Y1 cells. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that about 50% of the cofilin was phosphorylated in 3Y1 cells at 37 degrees C. Exposure of the cells to heat shock at 43 degrees C induced dephosphorylation of cofilin. The dephosphorylation of cofilin was detected about 30 min after the temperature shift and was completed within 120 min. Moreover, treatment of cells with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide also caused the dephosphorylation of cofilin. However, incubation of the cells with an isotonic NaCl solution, which induced cytoplasmic actin/cofilin rods, did not induce dephosphorylation of cofilin. Other cellular stress agents such as 6% ethanol or 50 microM sodium arsenite, which caused some heat shock responses in cells, did not induce dephosphorylation of cofilin. Thus, cofilin dephosphorylation was closely correlated with its nuclear accumulation. Incubation of the enucleated 3Y1 cells at 43 degrees C still induced dephosphorylation of cofilin, suggesting that the dephosphorylation occurred mostly in the cytoplasm in intact cells. It is likely that cofilin is dephosphorylated in the cytoplasm prior to its nuclear accumulation.     

Regulation of heat shock-induced apoptosis by sensitive to apoptosis gene protein

Heat shock may increase oxidative stress due to increased production of reactive oxygen species and/or the promotion of cellular oxidation events. Sensitive to apoptosis gene (SAG) protein, a novel zinc RING finger protein that protects mammalian cells from apoptosis by redox reagents, is a metal chelator and a potential reactive oxygen species scavenger, but its antioxidant properties have not been completely defined. In this report, we demonstrate that modulation of SAG expression in U937 cells regulates heat shock-induced apoptosis. When we examined the protective role of SAG against heat shock-induced apoptosis with U937 cells transfected with the cDNA for SAG, a clear inverse relationship was observed between the amount of SAG expressed in target cells and their susceptibility to apoptosis. We also observed a significant decrease in the endogenous production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage in SAG-overexpressed cells compared to control cells on exposure to heat shock. In addition, transfection of PC3 cells with SAG small interfering RNA markedly decreased the expression of SAG, enhancing the susceptibility of heat shock-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that SAG may play an important role in regulating the apoptosis induced by heat shock presumably through maintaining the cellular redox status.     

Caspase-2-induced apoptosis requires bid cleavage: a physiological role for bid in heat shock-induced death

The mechanisms through which Caspase-2 leads to cell death are controversial. Here we show, using a combination of cell-free and cell culture-based approaches, that cleavage of the Bcl-2-family protein Bid is required for the induction of apoptosis by Caspase-2. Caspase-2 promoted cytochrome c release from mitochondria in the presence of cytosol from wild-type, but not Bid-deficient, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Recombinant wild-type Bid, but not a noncleavable mutant (D59E), restored cytochrome c release. Similarly, Bid-null MEFs were relatively resistant to apoptosis triggered by active Caspase-2, and apoptosis was restored in Bid-null cells by the expression of wild-type, but not D59E, Bid. Finally, Bid-null MEFs were substantially more resistant to apoptosis induced by heat shock, which has been shown to be dependent on apical activation of Caspase-2. The data are consistent with a model in which Caspase-2 induces apoptosis via cleavage of Bid at D59 and the subsequent engagement of the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway.     

In situ trapping of activated initiator caspases reveals a role for caspase-2 in heat shock-induced apoptosis

Activation of 'initiator' (or 'apical') caspases-2, -8 or -9 (refs 1-3) is crucial for induction of apoptosis. These caspases function to activate executioner caspapses that, in turn, orchestrate apoptotic cell death. Here, we show that a cell-permeable, biotinylated pan-caspase inhibitor (bVAD-fmk) both inhibited and 'trapped' the apical caspase activated when apoptosis was triggered. As expected, only caspase-8 was trapped in response to ligation of death receptors, whereas only caspase-9 was trapped in response to a variety of other apoptosis-inducing agents. Caspase-2 was exclusively activated in heat shock-induced apoptosis. This activation of caspase-2 was also observed in cells protected from heat-shock-induced apoptosis by Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL. Reduced sensitivity to heat-shock-induced death was observed in caspase-2(-/-) cells. Furthermore, cells lacking the adapter molecule RAIDD failed to activate caspase-2 after heat shock treatment and showed resistance to apoptosis in this setting. This approach unambiguously identifies the apical caspase activated in response to apoptotic stimuli, and establishes caspase-2 as a proximal mediator of heat shock-induced apoptosis.